Proper nutrition isn’t always easy to maintain, even if you are eatin’ your greens. But it is more important than you might imagine when it comes to feeling energized and focused.

Kids and adults alike – especially those with dietary restrictions, illness, disease, high stress or activity levels or just plain busy lives – often need to supplement or completely rely on nutritional drinks to fulfill their daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, protein and calories.

Allegro has long been a source of the most popular dietary supplements for adult and child nutrition. Can we help you or your loved ones and patients maintain healthy nutrition?

Back-to-School is stressful for parents and kids alike. If you can identify with any of the 6 situations below, I guarantee you that these solutions will reduce your stress and make your kids’ lives a little easier too.

Don’t Jack the Back, Mac

What kid wants to be walking around with a messed up spine when they’re ten? As a parent, you’ll have one less thing to worry about if you get them an Airpack Ergonomic Back-Saving Backpack. These things are amazing. They’re cool, trendy, ergonomic AND healthy. Plus they have compartments, zippers, hidey holes, bells and whistles galore.

Airpacks backpacks patented design redistributes weight from the shoulders to the hips and lower back, thereby lightening the effective weight of the pack by 50%. Stress on the body is reduced by a whopping 80% because the design promotes a more upright standing position. Airpacks come in small, medium, large and mesh and are sized to fit by height (or torso length). Great for students of all ages and yes, that means adult students too.

Even if you’ve already invested in a backpack, you may consider swapping it out for one with back saving technology. Did I mention that it makes you stand up straight? The bonuses never end.

(school morning dialog WITH the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock):Well, aren’t you on the ball today! Holy moley, you’re dressed already. What a great kid. (smiles, whistling, high fives ensue)

Having a hard time waking them up? Fear not. Blast ‘em out of bed with a Sonic Bomb alarm clock. There’s even a Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock to wake your sleeping beauty.

Really, they’re not as scary as they sound and we sell a ton of them so they must work. Allegro Medical product manager Mike Benge wakes up to the Sonic Bomb every morning. He says, “It’s like a freight train coming at me. Lights are flashing, the bed is shaking, and the sound is like nothing you’ve ever heard.”

You can set these clocks to do all kinds of things – loud or not so much. I have the Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm that gently vibrates my pillow so I don’t wake up all freaked out. Ahhhhh. No noise – but I could add noise if I wanted. And for all you do, Soccer Mom, you deserve a nice gradual awakening with the Sunrise Alarm Clock.

Hate running to catch the bus? How about chasing your alarm clock instead? This one jumps from the nightstand and runs away. Seriously! It’s called the Chrome Clocky Mobile Alarm Clock. Makes a great gift.

The start of a new school year is stressful for everyone, but even more so for families with bed wetters. Besides the lack of sleep and overall frustration you’re ALL feeling, your child is also likely dealing with significant emotional and social issues associated with bed wetting.

Crissy, an Allegro customer from Fullerton, CA says, “Our six year old son never had dry nights, even as a preschooler. He is a very sound sleeper, but after two nights he began waking up to the alarm…he has had three dry nights during the third week of use.”

Don’t wait until you’re at the end of your rope. Hopefully the Nite Train’r is the answer you’ve been looking for, and you can remove bedwetting from the list of stressors in the morning rush to school.

It’s no secret that kids don’t always eat right. At least when they are home, you can do a better job of monitoring it. Once they’re off to school it’s anyone’s bet. If you know, or suspect, or have been told that little Suzy is not getting enough calories, there is a simple answer. Supplement their meals with balanced shakes, juice drinks or puddings. We have a complete selection of Child Nutrition products – our most popular being Pediasure, Nutren Junior, Resource Just for Kids and Boost Pudding.

School time means toting kids around. Sometimes toting other people’s kids around. Even if you’re not driving with kids, we all need to pay attention to this. Are you prepared for an emergency? Here is a checklist of things you need in your car in case you’re stranded or in an accident:

Don’t dilly dally. Order now. It’s easy. I hope you never, ever have to use this emergency stuff, but it pays to be ready. And believe me, when you need a rescue blanket or a side window breaker, you’re not only glad you have it, but it could save your life.

Don’t Sneeze Up the Goo, Drew

Preparing for the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus – or just flu season in general? Check our Swine Flu Category for available products (several are still back-ordered from the last break-out). Meantime, make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizers to squirt on those little germy fingers, and surface disinfectants for your counters, bannisters, keyboards, etc.

Have a nice day. Be safe. Eat your greens. And thanks for being an Allegro Medical customer. We appreciate your business.

No matter who you are or what medical condition you may have, making sure you have the proper calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients makes a tremendous difference in keeping your body strong every day.

To help you choose the right supplemental or complete nutrition products, here is a list of Allegro’s most popular dietary supplements by indication, application or medical condition. These are medical food products for use as directed by a healthcare practitioner. A prescription is not required. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Most products can be used as complete meal replacements or as between-meal supplements. Click on the links to purchase the product or for more information.

We regret to inform you that as of Tuesday, February 17th, you will no longer be able to purchase Pediasure 8 oz. Cans from Allegro Medical – or – through any other online or retail supplier.

We understand how important a product *like* Pediasure is for the care of loved ones requiring supplemental nutrition. Allegro Medical has helped hundreds of thousands of people just like you conveniently buy their supplements over the Internet for the past 11 years. However, Abbott Laboratories, the pharmaceutical manufacturer, has announced that it would no longer allow the the 8 oz cans (used in hospitals and health care facilities) to be sold to retail customers.

The good news is, we have a great alternative for you, plus a savings discount:

To help with the transition, we’re offering a 15% savings on Boost Kid Essentials – Use gift certificate code Nestle15 at checkout – good through Monday, Feb. 23rd.

*Important Note to Health Care Providers – If you are a health care provider or institution purchasing Pediasure 8 oz. cans from Allegro Medical, please respond with your company information. We can assist you in the Abbott Laboratories qualification process which will allow us to continue shipping you the institutional products.

Allegro Medical values your business. We apologize for this inconvenience and encourage you to try the Nestle alternative. Check the homepage blogs for future updates as this story unfolds.

After 21 years of marriage and 2 miscarriages, we believed we would not be able to have children. So, we were very surprised when I became pregnant at 41. We naturally conceived fraternal twins, but at 8 weeks lost one of them due to a ruptured placenta.

All went well until 20 weeks when I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and put on bed rest. Even with all the efforts of my doctor, I had an emergency c-section at just 27 weeks and our son was born at just 1 lb 8oz. He faced all of the risks of such a premature birth complicated by his extremely small size, since he should have been over 2 lbs at that gestation. It was a nightmare experience, but miraculously, after 2 eye surgeries and one to repair a hernia, he overcame it all and was discharged from the hospital after 106 days at 7 lbs. He required oxygen therapy for another 2 months as well as physical therapy to overcome his developmental delays. And, at 1 year old he was developmentally caught up to his peers and no longer needed any special treatment.

His only lingering problem was a low appetite and a dislike of many food textures. Many preemies and other children who have had to be ventilated develop oral aversions, and although his are not severe, they are still a problem. I sympathize with those whose children won’t eat at all. He weaned off the bottle fine, but would not eat enough food to gain weight. Anytime he had a problem from a simple cold or an ear infection to the normal stresses of vacations and holidays, he would slow down on his eating and in some cases lose weight. At 18 months old, he only weighed 15 lbs. I was scared for him and worried about his adult height if he didn’t start putting on weight. I tried everything imaginable to get him to eat to no avail. After visiting with a nutritionist and his pediatrician, we put him on Nutren Jr.
This product has been a lifesaver for us. He gains weight even when he won’t eat solid foods. And he not only drinks it, he asks for it by the name he gave it – “high protein vanilla milk”! Everything else we tried, he actually spit out. Now at 2 ½ years old, he is a healthy 24 ½ lbs and finally on the “normal” growth curve for his age. He is eating more solids, but still gets two cans of Nutren Jr everyday.

I found Allegro Medical through Amazon.com and eventually went to buying directly from Allegro. I love the convenience of on-line ordering, and since I order so much of this stuff, the one time I had an issue with missing cans from an order, the customer service department set my next order up with free shipping. Thank you Allegro Medical, for offering these products and providing such good customer service.

I now order Carnation Instant Breakfast
shakes from your company as well. It seems my husband and I have the opposite problem from our son — we are trying to lose weight!

Allegro sends a big hug to Eilene and her family for sharing their story, and a smooch for being such great Allegro customers.

Are You an Allegro Fan?

If you have a story about how an Allegro product helped you or someone you care for, we’d love to hear it. Please email up to 500 words to Valerie Paxton at vpaxton (at) allegromedical (dot) com. All submissions will be considered. Have a great day!

When food just isn’t enough, look no further than Allegro for all your dietary supplements – from nutrition drinks for kids and adults to calcium to creatine, or for patients on liquid diets. Among our thousands of dietary supplements you’re sure to find what you need at the lowest prices.

Adult and Child Supplemental Nutrition

For children with special dietary needs, those suffering from illness, or children who are not getting proper nutrition, Allegro has a wide selection of canned and powder child nutrition supplements for oral or tube feeding, and they’re priced for stocking up! Healthcare professionals- Allegro has medical foods for children with cow milk intolerance, gastrointestinal impairments, and severe food allergies from the brands you use everyday. Also, to help make the medicine go down, try our popular flavor packets for clinical nutrition diets.

Moms, get your nutrition-filled formulas and brand name supplements from Allegro, at the best prices, delivered right to your door.

For short and long term tube feeding, our nutrition liquids can be your patient’s sole source. Maintain moderate bowel function due to high fiber content. Consumers should consult a physician on the use of these products. Allegro also has enteral feeding supplies.

Adults suffering from unwanted weight loss because of medications, cancer, depression or other illness can regain some of the weight and vitality with great tasting calorie and protein supplements. Unwanted weight loss should be discussed with your physician.

Or, for faster healing of wounds and burns, a drink rich in Arginine and vitamins C and E can help. Discuss with your healthcare professional how an Arginine-intensive supplement can help you.

Amino Acids and Sports Performance Products

Trying to build muscle and just can’t “cut” it? Need help slimming down? Whether you are a body builder or yoga instructor, or have been instructed by a healthcare professional to supplement your diet, you may achieve your best results with:

Amino acids – the building blocks of protein. Supplements are taken to compensate for inadequate intake from food of amino acids and protein. Amino acids boost energy and metabolism, and provide optimum muscle growth. All the top brands available, in tablets, liquid, powder and gelcaps.

Arginine Pyroglutamate supports muscular metabolism and cognitive functions. Contains the stacked amino acids that induce the secretion of growth hormones, which may help increase strength, burn fat, enhance libido, boost immunity, and support tendons and ligaments.

L-Glutamine aids metabolism, immunity and mental function. It is taken by athletes because it also helps increase growth hormone release and enhances muscle metabolism.

Creatine is used to improve physical or athletic performance, promote lean body mass, support fast recovery and to decrease fatigue.

Vanadyl sulfate is a popular product for bodybuilders. It promotes muscle uptake of glucose, producing a significant anabolic (process of metabolism in which cell growth occurs) effect on muscle mass. This anabolic effect is important for muscle growth and anti-aging.

Anabolic precursors such as DHEA supplements may stimulate the immune system. They are used to improve mood, energy, sense of well-being, and the ability to function well under stress. Anabolic precursors are also used to build body mass. Safe and legal anabolic agents are available now, for faster recovery times, increased strength, and increased energy.

Bars, Meal Replacements and Snacks

Allegro has all the big name energy and meal replacement bars, (and even some you haven’t heard of) in the most popular flavors, sold by the case to save you money. Have one in place of dessert, before a workout, or in the car when you have no time for breakfast. They are filling; full of protein, vitamins and minerals, and some are even certified organic. Check calorie, protein, carb and vitamin content, ingredients and flavors to find the perfect bar for your needs.

Keep protein intake up and lower caloric intake with a meal replacement. Dozens of combinations of proteins in a variety of flavored powders and packets will help you to support muscle mass, and replace vitamins and minerals used in workouts. Meant to enhance a healthy eating and active lifestyle.

Low Carbohydrate solutions, such as protein powders, smoothie and shake mixes, add vitamins and minerals while filling you up, to help maintain lean physique.

Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar but doesn’t raise blood sugar levels and contains no carbs or calories, and is processed from an herbal plant. Research indicates that both diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia may use Stevia as their sweetener.

Snack time! Get high protein and low fat from ostrich, turkey and beef jerky, a great snack or meal on the go. Get your soy nutrients from soy crisps and nuts in several flavors, or try low fat, natural potato chips that actually taste great!

Dietary Fats/Oils and Herbs

Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the hearts of healthy people, and those with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. Fatty fish, such as trout, herring, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and don’t have the high saturated fat of meat. Dietary fats such as fish oil, flax oil and flaxseed can enhance your diet or be taken in place of fish servings for these fatty acids.Evening primrose oil has been shown to relieve pre-menstrual issues, skin disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Allegro has dozens of herbal supplements, packaged and collected with care to ensure freshness and natural potency. Ask your physician or do your own research for scientific information on these claims.

Herbs are used for many health reasons, including: Saw Palmetto for prostate health; Echinacea for immunity and help in preventing colds and flu; Goldenseal, also for immunity and for glandular sluggishness; Alfalfa supports the skeletal, glandular, digestive, and urinary systems, and contains protein and several vitamins and minerals; Chickweed for treatment of skin disorders, blood disorders, gout, fevers, asthma, arthritis, constipation, lung disease, and as an aid in weight control; Gotu Kola helps to combat stress, improve reflexes, and increase mental and physical power, and is used for high blood pressure, senility, aging, and to help the body protect itself against toxins; Bee Pollen for weight loss, increased energy, vitality, stamina, enhancing the immune system, relieving allergy and asthma symptoms, and more; Ginseng for opening the mind, strengthening the body, improving memory, increasing vitality, extending endurance, cleansing the body of stress, fighting fatigue and more; and Garlic, known to support healthy cardiovascular function.

Weight Loss Products, Energy and Sports Drinks, Weight Gain

Need a little help with weight loss or trying to burn fat with little result? Along with proper nutrition and exercise, the right weight loss program will bring the results you have been looking for, safely. Metabolism boosters, fat inhibitors, calorie burners – Allegro has them all, with and without stimulants to support your lifestyle, and at great prices.

Feeling sluggish? Need an extra energy boost during the day? We have energy products in drops, drinks, powders and pills, and some are all natural.

Sports and workout fanatics, get that extra energy from a sports drink with green tea and guarana, or put back what your workout takes away with a re-hydrator. Aid recovery and enhance weight gain with a high carbohydrate drink, or get your protein or amino acids in a convenient, ready-to-drink can or drink box. Sold by the case for your convenience and savings.

For weight gain and muscle enhancement, and to gain mass not fat, try a weight gain powder from Allegro. We have all the name brands with the best combinations of sugars and whey proteins, in sizes up to 10 pounds so you always have it around.

Vitamins and Over the Counter Drugs
Vitamins can help prevent illness, repair damage to the body and make us feel better as we age. We have name brand and generic vitamins and minerals at Allegro at the best prices. Get pre-natal vitamins, Calcium, iron, C, D, multi vitamins, all the B’s and more, delivered right to your door.

Allegro has great deals on generic OTC medications, as well as your favorite brand name products, ready to stock your medicine cabinet. Lip therapy; children’s medicines; laxatives (stimulant and softening types) for regular use or evacuations prior to surgery; antifungal and infection preventing cr`emes and ointments for minor scrapes, burns and owies; arthritis pain medication; acetaminophen pain reliever; anti-diarrhea and motion sickness medicine; even diaper rash medicine and eye drops, are all available, right here.